Method and apparatus for providing data sharing schemes to provision device services

ABSTRACT

An approach is presented for providing data sharing schemes to provision device services. A user determines a data sharing scheme for activation at one or more devices. As a result, the context hub contained within the device processes and/or facilitates a processing of the data sharing scheme to determine applications, services, or a combination that are at least substantially compliant with the selected data sharing scheme. The context hub then causes, at least in part, a presentation to the user of the applications, the services, or a combination. Thereafter, the context hub determines one or more contexts associated with the one or more devices and processes and/or facilitates a processing of the contexts to cause, at least in part, a recommendation of at least another data sharing scheme as well as any relevant and compliant applications, services, or a combination to activate at the one or more devices.

BACKGROUND

Service providers and device manufacturers (e.g., wireless, cellular,etc.) are continually challenged to deliver value and convenience toconsumers by, for example, providing increasingly popular networkapplications, services, or a combination thereof that utilize contextualdata collected and uploaded by mobile devices. For example, locationdata can be shared in real-time by mobile device users to receivetargeted advertisements and/or to provide their friends with theirlocation information through various social network services. Locationis just one modality of context data that can be collected and uploadedto a service provider. In fact, today's mobile devices can be equippedwith a range of sensors enabling the capturing of an assortment ofinformation, e.g., audio, visual, temporal, and/or acceleration data,and in the future, the range of sensors will be even wider. However,privacy concerns associated with sharing contextual data or otherpotentially sensitive data and the disposition to share data with aservice provider likely vary between users. Accordingly, serviceproviders and device manufactures face significant technical challengesto allow users to make informed decisions regarding their individualdata sharing, while also presenting them with the benefits to be gainedfrom increased data sharing.

Some Example Embodiments

Therefore, there is a need for an approach for presenting and/orenabling one or more data sharing schemes at a device.

According to one embodiment, a method comprises determining at least onedata sharing scheme for activation at one or more devices. The methodalso comprises processing and/or facilitating a processing of the atleast one data sharing scheme to determine one or more applications, oneor more services, or a combination that are at least substantiallycompliant with the at least one data sharing scheme. The method furthercomprises causing, at least in part, a presentation of the one or moreapplications, the one or more services, or a combination thereof.

According to another embodiment, an apparatus comprises at least oneprocessor, and at least one memory including computer program code forone or more computer programs, the at least one memory and the computerprogram code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause, atleast in part, the apparatus to determine at least one data sharingscheme for activation at one or more devices. The apparatus is alsocaused to process and/or facilitate a processing of the at least onedata sharing scheme to determine one or more applications, one or moreservices, or a combination that are at least substantially compliantwith the at least one data sharing scheme. The apparatus further causedto cause, at least in part, a presentation of the one or moreapplications, the one or more services, or a combination thereof.

According to another embodiment, a computer-readable storage mediumcarries one or more sequences of one or more instructions which, whenexecuted by one or more processors, cause, at least in part, anapparatus to determine at least one data sharing scheme for activationat one or more devices. The apparatus is also caused to process and/orfacilitate a processing of the at least one data sharing scheme todetermine one or more applications, one or more services, or acombination that are at least substantially compliant with the at leastone data sharing scheme. The apparatus is further caused to cause, atleast in part, a presentation of the one or more applications, the oneor more services, or a combination thereof.

According to another embodiment, an apparatus comprises means fordetermining at least one data sharing scheme for activation at one ormore devices. The apparatus also comprises means for processing and/orfacilitating a processing of the at least one data sharing scheme todetermine one or more applications, one or more services, or acombination that are at least substantially compliant with the at leastone data sharing scheme. The apparatus further comprises means forcausing, at least in part, a presentation of the one or moreapplications, the one or more services, or a combination thereof.

In addition, for various example embodiments of the invention, thefollowing is applicable: a method comprising facilitating a processingof and/or processing (1) data and/or (2) information and/or (3) at leastone signal, the (1) data and/or (2) information and/or (3) at least onesignal based, at least in part, on (or derived at least in part from)any one or any combination of methods (or processes) disclosed in thisapplication as relevant to any embodiment of the invention.

For various example embodiments of the invention, the following is alsoapplicable: a method comprising facilitating access to at least oneinterface configured to allow access to at least one service, the atleast one service configured to perform any one or any combination ofnetwork or service provider methods (or processes) disclosed in thisapplication.

For various example embodiments of the invention, the following is alsoapplicable: a method comprising facilitating creating and/orfacilitating modifying (1) at least one device user interface elementand/or (2) at least one device user interface functionality, the (1) atleast one device user interface element and/or (2) at least one deviceuser interface functionality based, at least in part, on data and/orinformation resulting from one or any combination of methods orprocesses disclosed in this application as relevant to any embodiment ofthe invention, and/or at least one signal resulting from one or anycombination of methods (or processes) disclosed in this application asrelevant to any embodiment of the invention.

For various example embodiments of the invention, the following is alsoapplicable: a method comprising creating and/or modifying (1) at leastone device user interface element and/or (2) at least one device userinterface functionality, the (1) at least one device user interfaceelement and/or (2) at least one device user interface functionalitybased at least in part on data and/or information resulting from one orany combination of methods (or processes) disclosed in this applicationas relevant to any embodiment of the invention, and/or at least onesignal resulting from one or any combination of methods (or processes)disclosed in this application as relevant to any embodiment of theinvention.

In various example embodiments, the methods (or processes) can beaccomplished on the service provider side or on the mobile device sideor in any shared way between service provider and mobile device withactions being performed on both sides.

For various example embodiments, the following is applicable: Anapparatus comprising means for performing the method of any oforiginally filed claims 1-10, 21-30, and 46-48.

Still other aspects, features, and advantages of the invention arereadily apparent from the following detailed description, simply byillustrating a number of particular embodiments and implementations,including the best mode contemplated for carrying out the invention. Theinvention is also capable of other and different embodiments, and itsseveral details can be modified in various obvious respects, all withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, thedrawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature,and not as restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example, andnot by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings:

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a system capable of providing data sharingschemes to provision device services, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a diagram of the components of a context hub, according to oneembodiment;

FIGS. 3A-3C are flowcharts of processes for providing data sharingschemes to provision device services, according to various embodiments;

FIGS. 4A-4C are diagrams of a user interface utilized in the processesof FIGS. 3A-3C, according to various embodiments;

FIG. 5 is a diagram of hardware that can be used to implement anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a diagram of a chip set that can be used to implement anembodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 7 is a diagram of a mobile terminal (e.g., handset) that can beused to implement an embodiment of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS

Examples of a method, apparatus, and computer program for providing datasharing schemes to provision device services are disclosed. In thefollowing description, for the purposes of explanation, numerousspecific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the embodiments of the invention. It is apparent,however, to one skilled in the art that the embodiments of the inventionmay be practiced without these specific details or with an equivalentarrangement. In other instances, well-known structures and devices areshown in block diagram form in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuringthe embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a system capable of providing data sharingschemes to provision device services, according to one embodiment. Aspreviously discussed, mobile device users are increasingly interested ininteracting with various types of data sharing applications, datasharing services, or a combination thereof (e.g., targeted advertising,social networking services, etc.). Many of these applications andservices rely, for instance, on potentially personal data collected atuser devices. For example, since mobile phones have become ubiquitous,these devices often have been collecting behavioral, real life data in acontinuous fashion. The data can therefore be taken as an accuraterepresentation of the behavioral attributes of the user, enabling, e.g.,consumer segmentation to be performed based on the data. However,because of the personal nature of the data, users are increasingly waryand often are at odds with the data collection activities of serviceproviders and device manufacturers.

In other words, sharing data (e.g., personal context data) to a servicetraditionally has generated a trade-off between privacy of the user, onone hand, and a wealth of interesting services available to the user, onthe other hand. For example, at the privacy sensitive end of thisdimension, data is collected and analyzed locally, on the device itself,without ever sharing the data to the server side for additionalprocessing or to support additional applications. Accordingly, noserver-side application or services are available to the user under thisscenario. At the open side of the spectrum, the user's data isaccessible to a primary service provider (e.g., a trusted manufacturer)and further to third parties through, for instance, ApplicationProgramming Interface (APIs) or in a direct way through the primaryservice provider. The third parties, in turn, can offer a variety ofservices (e.g., messaging services, social networking services,location-based services, etc.) to the end user in exchange for the data.In some embodiments, other intermediate data sharing schemes arepossible (e.g., sharing data with the primary service provider but notthird party providers). Accordingly, service providers and devicemanufactures face significant technical challenges to allow users tomake informed decisions regarding their individual data sharing, whilealso presenting them with the benefits to be gained from increased datasharing.

To address this problem, a system 100 of FIG. 1 allows a user to selecta data sharing scheme based on individual data sharing preferences. Inone embodiment, the system 100 also provides information to describe thedata collection process, information about how the data is used,information regarding the benefits to be gained from a particular datasharing or collection process, and other related information. Morespecifically, in one embodiment, the system 100 enables the user toselect the data sharing scheme (e.g., closed, open, or intermediate)that a user prefers or is most comfortable with. Based on the selecteddata sharing scheme, the system 100 can determine the applicationsand/or services that are compliant with the selected data sharing schemeand present them to the user through, for instance, a context hub clientinstalled on a mobile device. In some embodiments, the system 100 mayprovision some or all of the compliant applications and services for useat the user's device. As previously noted, in one embodiment, the datasharing schemes vary from closed—context data remains on the device andis not accessible to service provides—to intermediate—context data ismade available to a primary service provider through ApplicationProgramming Interfaces (APIs), but not to third-party service providers,to open—third-party service providers are also allowed access to theuser's data. In exchange for sharing certain context data, e.g.,location, the user is provided access to one or more applications, oneor more services, or a combination thereof.

In one embodiment, the aforementioned data sharing schemes are titled“Keep It,” “Share Selectively,” and “Open It,” respectively, and arebased on a user's privacy concerns. In certain embodiments, data sharingschemes can also be based on security concerns, one or more costconcerns, one or more device capabilities, or a combination thereof.Once a user has activated a particular data sharing scheme, the user isinformed of the scheme's defining characteristics, one or more enabledapplications, one or more enabled services, or a combination thereofbased on the particular data sharing scheme. The system 100 alsoprovides for application/service discovery by, for instance, determininga user's context and recommending a more open data sharing scheme thatsupports applications appropriate for the user's context.

In one use case, the various embodiments described herein can be used inan environment in which a primary service provider mediates data sharingamong users and third party service providers. More particularly, aunified control interface (e.g., a context hub) is set forth, whichenables the user to make the choice of whether or not the user isinterested in sharing data with the primary service provider and evenfurther to third party service providers. In the latter case, theprimary service provider can, for instance, play a role in terms of,e.g., ensuring that the third party services offered to the end user arein line with the selected data sharing schemes, privacy policies, etc.In one embodiment, as a function of the selected data sharing scheme,particular types of applications and/or services are provided to theuser through the unified control interface.

In another embodiment, if the user has chosen a data sharing schemethat, for instance, can be upgraded to a more open data sharing scheme(e.g., enable sharing more data or with more providers), the system 100can determine when the user or the user's device is in a context orsituation where it might be appropriate to change the currently activedata sharing scheme, and then recommend a new data sharing scheme. Byway of example, in a scenario where one of the services enabled by anopen data sharing scheme is a contextual bus timetable service (e.g.,offered by a third party service provider). However, if the user hasselected a closed data sharing scheme, such a service would not beavailable on the user's device. In this scenario, the system 100 candetect that the user is in a situation or context (e.g., via locationsensors to indicate that the user is at a bus stop) and then deliver arecommendation to upgrade the data sharing scheme when the user is at abus stop where the user is more likely to be in need of a timetableservice. In one embodiment, accepting the recommendation to upgrade thedata sharing scheme in such a context or situation (e.g., user at a busstop) can lead to the timetable service becoming available to the user(e.g., via a context hub client).

In addition or alternatively, the user can opt for a preferred datasharing scheme while individual services or applications compliant withdifferent data sharing schemes can be recommended to the user inappropriate instances. This would, for instance, enable a certaingeneral data sharing preference to be followed, while also enabling theuser to select individual services from different data sharing schemeswhen needed.

Although various embodiments discuss data sharing schemes with respectto sharing context data, it is contemplated that the various embodimentsdescribed herein are applicable to sharing of any type of data availableat the device. In one embodiment, the context data refers, for instance,to data that indicates the state of a device, the state of the deviceenvironment and/or the inferred state of a user of the device. Thestates indicated by the context are, for instance, described accordingto one or more “contextual parameters” including time, recentapplications running on the device, recent World Wide Web pagespresented on the device, keywords in current communications (such asemails, SMS messages, IM messages), current and recent locations of thedevice (e.g., from a global positioning system, GPS, or cell toweridentifier), environment temperature, ambient light, movement,transportation activity (e.g., driving a car, riding the metro, riding abus, walking, cycling, etc.), activity (e.g., eating at a restaurant,drinking at a bar, watching a movie at a cinema, watching a video athome or at a friend's house, exercising at a gymnasium, traveling on abusiness trip, traveling on vacation, etc.), emotional state (e.g.,happy, busy, calm, rushed, etc.), interests (e.g., music type, sportplayed, sports watched), contacts, or contact groupings (e.g., family,friends, colleagues, etc.), among others, or some combination thereof.

As shown in FIG. 1, the system 100 comprises one or more user equipment(UEs) 101 a-101 n (also collectively referred to as UEs 101) havingconnectivity to a context platform 103 via a communication network 105.The UEs 101 also have connectivity to a service platform 107 (e.g., anapplication store) and a primary service provider 109 via thecommunication network 105. The UEs 101 may include context hubs 111a-111 n (also collectively referred to as context hubs 111), which cancommunicate with the context platform 103 via the communication network105 to share context data and can also perform all or a portion of thefunctions of the context platform 103 with respect to processing contextdata as discussed with respect to the various data sharing schemes andembodiments described herein. The context platform 103 may exist inwhole or in part within the UEs 101, or within the service platform 107,or independently. The UEs 101 may also include sensors 113 a-113 n (alsocollectively referred to as sensors 113) to determine contextinformation. By way of example, the sensors 113 may include a locationsensor, a speed sensor, an audio sensor, brightness sensor, etc. Incertain embodiments, there may be several sensors 113 in the UEs 101with each sensor 205 concentrating on one or more context data elements.Exemplary modules of the UEs 101 may also include user interface modules115 a-115 n (also collectively referred to as user interfaces 115).Based on at least one data sharing scheme contained within the contextplatform 103, the system 100 may grant access or otherwise provision oneor more compliant applications, one or more compliant services, or acombination thereof 117 a-117 n (also collectively referred to asapplications/services 117) via, for instance, the service platform 107.Depending on the one or more selected data sharing schemes, the primaryservice provider 109 and/or third-party service providers 119 a-119 n(also collectively referred to as third-party service providers 119) canobtain access to a user's context data from the context platform 103and/or provide a user access to one or more applications/services 117via the service platform 107 and communication network 105.

In one embodiment, a closed data sharing scheme contained within thecontext hub 111, when selected by a user, causes the UEs 101 to run oneor more applications, one or more services, or a combination thereoflocally and prevents the UEs 101 from sharing context data via thecommunication network 105 to external applications/services 117. Anexample of such an application, service or combination thereof couldinclude, e.g., “Location Based Messaging” whereby a message isautomatically sent to a desired person upon arriving at a certainlocation. Another more open data sharing scheme contained within thecontext hub 111, when selected by a user, causes the sharing of contextdata (e.g., location) via the communication network 105 with a primaryservice provider 109 via the service platform 107. This context data isnot shared, however, with third-party service providers 119. Inexchange, the user gains access to applications/services 117 (e.g., bustimetable services) based on the user's shared context data andindividual data sharing scheme. In addition, the user gains access torecommendations regarding more open data sharing schemes and additionalapplications/services 117 based on the user's shared context data andindividual data sharing scheme. Yet another data sharing schemecontained within the context hub 111, when selected by a user, causesthe sharing of context data via the communication network 105 with botha primary service provider 109 and third-party service providers 119 viathe service platform 107. In exchange, the user gains access to allrelevant applications/services 115 accessed through the service platform107. It is contemplated that the context hub 111 may make available anynumber of data sharing schemes (e.g., to reflect different privacypolicies or preferences of the user) for selection and enforcement.

In one embodiment, the system 100 allows a user to activate another datasharing scheme contained in the context hub 111 and/or one or moreapplications/services 117 through the UEs 101 for a duration that ispermanent, for a predetermined period, for the one or more contexts, forat least one of the one or more other applications, for at least one ofthe one or more other services, or a combination thereof so as to allowthe user to manage data sharing preferences in a way that best suits theuser's specific needs. For example, as described previously, the system100 may generate recommendations to the user to activate a differentdata sharing scheme in order to use a particular application that isappropriate to a user's context or situation (e.g., standing at a busstop). In one embodiment, the data sharing scheme can be activated forthe duration of the context (e.g., while standing at the bus stop) andthen returned to a preferred or previously selected data sharing schemewhen the context or situation no longer exists (e.g., the user is nolonger at the bus stop).

In one embodiment, the system 100 causes the generation of notificationsthat alert a user of, for instance, (1) a recommendation or availabilityof a more open data sharing scheme based on a user's context orsituation; (2) one or more applications/services that are applicable toa determined user context or situation or that comply with therecommended data sharing scheme; and the like. In addition, the system100 can also generate notifications related to the functioning orenforcement of the data sharing schemes such as generating notificationswhen an application attempts to perform an operation (e.g., transmittingdata to a backend server) that would violate a particular data sharingscheme.

By way of example, the communication network 105 of system 100 includesone or more networks such as a data network, a wireless network, atelephony network, or any combination thereof. It is contemplated thatthe data network may be any local area network (LAN), metropolitan areanetwork (MAN), wide area network (WAN), a public data network (e.g., theInternet), short range wireless network, or any other suitablepacket-switched network, such as a commercially owned, proprietarypacket-switched network, e.g., a proprietary cable or fiber-opticnetwork, and the like, or any combination thereof. In addition, thewireless network may be, for example, a cellular network and may employvarious technologies including enhanced data rates for global evolution(EDGE), general packet radio service (GPRS), global system for mobilecommunications (GSM), Internet protocol multimedia subsystem (IMS),universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS), etc., as well as anyother suitable wireless medium, e.g., worldwide interoperability formicrowave access (WiMAX), Long Term Evolution (LTE) networks, codedivision multiple access (CDMA), wideband code division multiple access(WCDMA), wireless fidelity (WiFi), wireless LAN (WLAN), Bluetooth®,Internet Protocol (IP) data casting, satellite, mobile ad-hoc network(MANET), and the like, or any combination thereof.

The UEs 101 are any type of mobile terminal, fixed terminal, or portableterminal including a mobile handset, station, unit, device, multimediacomputer, multimedia tablet, Internet node, communicator, desktopcomputer, laptop computer, notebook computer, netbook computer, tabletcomputer, personal communication system (PCS) device, personalnavigation device, personal digital assistants (PDAs), audio/videoplayer, digital camera/camcorder, positioning device, televisionreceiver, radio broadcast receiver, electronic book device, game device,or any combination thereof, including the accessories and peripherals ofthese devices, or any combination thereof. It is also contemplated thatthe UEs 101 can support any type of interface to the user (such as“wearable” circuitry, etc.).

By way of example, the UEs 101, the context platform 103, the contexthub 111, and service platform 107 communicate with each other and othercomponents of the communication network 105 using well known, new orstill developing protocols. In this context, a protocol includes a setof rules defining how the network nodes within the communication network105 interact with each other based on information sent over thecommunication links. The protocols are effective at different layers ofoperation within each node, from generating and receiving physicalsignals of various types, to selecting a link for transferring thosesignals, to the format of information indicated by those signals, toidentifying which software application executing on a computer systemsends or receives the information. The conceptually different layers ofprotocols for exchanging information over a network are described in theOpen Systems Interconnection (OSI) Reference Model.

Communications between the network nodes are typically effected byexchanging discrete packets of data. Each packet typically comprises (1)header information associated with a particular protocol, and (2)payload information that follows the header information and containsinformation that may be processed independently of that particularprotocol. In some protocols, the packet includes (3) trailer informationfollowing the payload and indicating the end of the payload information.The header includes information such as the source of the packet, itsdestination, the length of the payload, and other properties used by theprotocol. Often, the data in the payload for the particular protocolincludes a header and payload for a different protocol associated with adifferent, higher layer of the OSI Reference Model. The header for aparticular protocol typically indicates a type for the next protocolcontained in its payload. The higher layer protocol is said to beencapsulated in the lower layer protocol. The headers included in apacket traversing multiple heterogeneous networks, such as the Internet,typically include a physical (layer 1) header, a data-link (layer 2)header, an internetwork (layer 3) header and a transport (layer 4)header, and various application (layer 5, layer 6 and layer 7) headersas defined by the OSI Reference Model.

FIG. 2 is a diagram of the components of a context hub 111, according toone embodiment. By way of example, the context hub includes one or morecomponents for providing data sharing schemes to provision deviceservices as described in the various embodiments discussed herein. It iscontemplated that the functions of these components may be combined inone or more components or performed by other components of equivalentfunctionality. As noted previously, it is contemplated that all or aportion of the functions of the context platform 103 may be performed bythe context hub 111. In one embodiment the determination of whether toperform a process at the context platform 103 or the context hub 111depends on the data sharing scheme selected by a user. For example,because the context hub 111 is local to the UEs 101, context data neednot be transmitted from the UEs 101 if the context hub 111 performs allor a portion of the one or more applications, one or more services, or acombination thereof. In one embodiment, the data sharing scheme may bebased on a user's privacy concerns and in some cases, be balancedagainst the greater resources (e.g., computational resources, memoryresources, etc.) available at the context platform 103.

In this embodiment, the context hub 111 includes a control module 201, acommunication module 203, a data storage module 205, a context module207, and a computation module 209. The control module 201 overseestasks, including tasks performed by the communication module 203, thedata storage module 205, the context module 207, and the computationmodule 209. The communication module 203 is used for communicationbetween the context hub 111, the UEs 101, and the service platform 107.The communication module 203 may be used to communicate commands,requests, data, etc. For example, the communication module 203 may alsobe used to cause preloading of a device (e.g., UE 101) withapplications, services, or a combination thereof local to the UEs 101(i.e., do not require a network connection to function). The data module205, for instance, manages (e.g., organizes) the collected data based onthe general characteristics, rules, logic, algorithms, instructions,etc. associated with each data sharing scheme and contained within thedata module 205. The data module 205 may also communicate with thecommunication module 203 to receive and manage the collection ofapplications/services 117, updated general characteristics, rules,logic, algorithms, instructions, etc. obtained through the serviceplatform 107. The data module 205 may also communicate with the contextmodule 207 to receive and manage the collection of context data obtainedthrough the sensors 113.

In one embodiment, the context module 207 may determine the context orsituation of the UEs 101 (e.g., proximity to a bus stop or a bank ormore specifically proximity to a particular bus stop or a particularbank) using the sensors 113 and the data module 205. The communicationmodule 203 may also cause the presentation to a user ofapplications/services 117 and context data obtained by the contextmodule 207. For example, if the user is willing to share this particularcontext data, the application/service 117 may be acquired from theservice platform 107. The computation module 209 handles variousanalysis, comparisons, computations etc. based on the generalcharacteristics, rules, logic, algorithms, instructions, etc. containedwithin the data module 205. The computation module may process thecollection of data from the context module 207 and/or metadataassociated with one or more applications, one or more services, or acombination thereof to determine whether the one or more applications,one or more services, or a combination thereof is compliant with a datasharing scheme and/or relevant to one or more contexts or situationsassociated with the UEs 101.

In one embodiment, the communication module 203 may communicate with thedata module 205 to enable a user to select a preloaded data sharingscheme (e.g., “Keep It,” “Share Selectively,” or “Open It”) uponactivation of the UE 101 s. In one embodiment, the data sharing schemesare based, at least in part, on privacy policies, on security policies,on cost policies, on device capabilities, or a combination of policies,which are defined within the data module 205.

In one embodiment, the computation module 209 can further processcontexts or situations determined by the context module 207 and metadataassociated with the applications/services 117 to recommend another datasharing scheme and/or determine a preferred application/service 117. Forexample, an application/service 117 (e.g., a particular bus timetable)may be preferred according to embedded metadata associated with highcustomer satisfaction ratings. The communication module 203 may thencause a presentation to a user of the another data sharing scheme and/orthe preferred application/service 117.

In one embodiment, the control module 201 causes an activation ofanother data sharing scheme permanently, for a predetermined period, fora duration of the one or more contexts, for at least the duration of oneor more applications/services 117 based on the context data determinedby the context module 207 and/or rules, logic, algorithms, instructions,etc. found within the data storage module 205. In one embodiment, thecomputation module 213 determines which applications/services 117 willbe gained or lost as a result of a change in the data share scheme andthen causes a presentation to a user of the results of this analysisthrough the communication module 203.

In one embodiment, when a user selects the “Keep It” data sharingscheme, the control module 201 prevents the communication module 203from sharing data contained within the data module 205 with a primaryservice provider 109 and/or a third-party service provider 119. As aresult, the user is limited to using applications, services, or acombination thereof that do not require a network connection tofunction. In contrast, when a user selects the “Share Selectively” datasharing scheme, the control module 201 causes the communication module203 to allow a primary service provider 109 access to the data storagemodule 203, particularly to any context data determined by the contextmodule 207. As a result, the control module 201 also causes thecomputation module 209 to determine the availability ofapplications/services 117 at the service platform 107 (e.g., applicationstore) that are compliant with the data sharing scheme's rules, logic,algorithms, instructions, etc. found within the data storage module 205.The control module 201 then causes a presentation to the user throughthe communication module 203 of the potential applications/services 117.In one example, the control module 201 can further cause thecommunication module 203 to populate the data module 205 with theapplications/services 117 selected by the user and the communicationmodule 203 may present the user with a confirmation of the selection.

In one embodiment, when a user selects the “Open It” data sharingscheme, the control module 201 causes the communication module 203 toallow both a primary service provider 109 and/or a third-party serviceprovider 119 access to the data module 205, particularly to any contextdata determined by the context module 207. Again, the control module 201causes the computation module 209 to determine the availability ofcompliant applications/services 117 at the service platform 107, causesa presentation of the possibilities to the user through thecommunication module 203, and can cause the communication module 203 topopulate the data module 205 with the applications/services 117 selectedby the user. In some instances, a user's selection of the “Open It” datasharing scheme may provide the user with access to more and/oralternative applications/services 117 than if the user selected the“Share Selectively” data sharing scheme.

FIGS. 3A-3C are flowcharts of processes for providing data sharingschemes to provision device services, according to various embodiments.FIG. 3A depicts a process 300 for generating a recommendation of atleast another (e.g., more open) data sharing scheme to activate on oneor more devices (e.g., UEs 101) based upon one or more contexts (e.g.,proximity to a bus stop) associated with the one or more devices (e.g.,the UEs 101). In one embodiment, the context hub 111 performs theprocess 300 and is implemented in, for instance, a chip set including aprocessor and a memory as shown in FIG. 6.

In step 301, the context hub 111 processes at least one data sharingscheme for activation at one or more UEs 101. As discussed previously,the UEs 101 can be configured to include multiple data sharing schemesfor selection by a user. By way of example, a data sharing scheme candefine rules, policies, criteria, etc. for specifying what data or dataelements can be shared by the UEs 101 with external applications orservices. The data may include, for instance, potentially sensitiveinformation such as contextual data (e.g., a user's location, behavioralpatterns, preferences, etc.) that the user may want to protect fromdisclosure. In one example use case, data sharing schemes can include“Keep It,” “Share Selectively,” and “Open It.” In this example, “KeepIt” specifies policies where the UEs 101 do not permit specified data tobe transmitted or shared beyond the device (e.g., not transmitted toapplications or services external to the UEs 101). The “ShareSelectively” data sharing scheme provides a more liberal or open policywhere the UEs 101 are permitted to share data with certain designated ortrusted applications or services. Finally, the “Open It” data sharingscheme provides for sharing of data with any applications or servicesrequesting such data.

In step 303, the context hub 111 processes the at least one data sharingscheme to determine one or more applications, one or more services, or acombination thereof that are at least substantially compliant with theat least one data sharing scheme. For example, it is often the case thata more open data sharing scheme enables the UEs 101 to have a greaterselection of applications or services that depend on data generated orshared from the UE 101 (e.g., online social networking services maybecome available if the UE 101 is allowed to share status or presenceinformation). In one embodiment, the context hub 111 determines theavailable compliant applications or service based on the generalcharacteristics, rules, logic, algorithms, instructions, etc. specifiedfor the selected data sharing scheme. For example, when a user selectsthe “Keep It” data sharing scheme, the context hub 111 determines theone or more compliant applications, the one or more compliant services,or a combination thereof from the applications/services contained withinthe data module 205 that do not require a network connection to functionand/or that do not transmit data outside of the UE 101. In contrast,when a user selects the “Share Selectively” or “Open It” data sharingschemes, for example, the context hub 111 determines the one or moreapplications, the one or more services, or a combination thereof (e.g.,applications/services 117) based on one or more selection criteria(e.g., such as whether the application or service is provided by aprimary service provider 109 versus a third-party service provider 119).

In step 305, the context hub 111 causes a presentation (e.g., graphicaldisplay) to the user of the applications/services that are availablebased on the user's selection of a data sharing scheme. As discussedpreviously, the graphical display may also provide explanatory text orother information to describe the currently active data scheme (e.g.,what data or data elements can be shared under the scheme, one or moreprivacy policies associated with the scheme, etc.), applications orservices that comply with the data scheme, and/or other relatedinformation.

In step 307, the context hub 111 processes context data (e.g., locationinformation, time information, activity information, etc.) associatedwith the UE 101, which can be determined by the context module 207 andsensors 113. As previously stated, the context data refers, forinstance, to data that indicates the state of a device, the state of thedevice environment and/or the inferred state of a user of the device.Moreover, as also previously stated the sensors 113 may include alocation sensor, a speed sensor, an audio sensor, brightness sensor,etc. In step 309, the context hub 111 processes the context data (e.g.,the device's proximity to a bus stop) to recommend to the user another(e.g., more open) data sharing scheme (e.g., “Share Selectively” or“Open It”) based on the availability of applications/services 117 thatare compliant with a more open data sharing scheme and are appropriateto a situation indicated by the context data (e.g., when the contextdata indicates that the user is near a bus stop). In one embodiment, thecontext hub 111 may also generate a recommendation that the userconsider a more closed data sharing scheme, for example, where thecontext hub 111 determines through comparison of the context datadetermined by the context module 207 and information already containedwithin the data module 205 that the user is situated in a newenvironment or an environment where privacy or data security may be ofconcern (e.g., in a public space).

FIG. 3B shows a process 330 for generating a recommendation to activateat least another data sharing scheme on one or more devices based on oneor more contexts associated with the one or more devices (e.g.,proximity to a bus stop). In one embodiment, the context hub 111performs the process 330 and is implemented in, for instance, a chip setincluding a processor and a memory as shown in FIG. 6. In step 331, thecontext hub 111 causes a presentation to the user through thecommunication module 203 of one or more applications/services 117 thatare available from the service platform 107 (e.g., an application store)based on a comparison of the metadata associated with theapplications/services 117 and the general characteristics, rules, logic,algorithms, instructions, etc. associated with another available datasharing scheme (e.g., “Share Selectively” or “Open It”). In step 333, aspreviously stated, in addition to causing a presentation of the one ormore applications/services 117 to the user, the context hub 111 can alsocause a presentation to the user of recommended and/or preferredapplications/services 117 (e.g., a particular bus timetable) based on adetermined context (e.g., proximity to a bus stop). In step 335, thecontext hub 111 causes an activation of the another (e.g., more open)data sharing scheme (e.g., “Share Selectively” or “Open It”)permanently, for a predetermined period, for a duration of the one ormore contexts (e.g., proximity to a bus stop), for at least the durationof the applications/services 117, or a combination thereof. In anexemplary embodiment, a user is able, at any time, to access fullinformation about which data sharing scheme is activated at the UEs 101.In one embodiment, the specific duration for which the context hub 111activates another data sharing scheme is determined by a user'spreferences. For example, the user may enjoy having access to all of theavailable applications/services 117 and, therefore, wish to activate the“Open It” data sharing scheme permanently.

FIG. 3C shows a process 350 for generating at least one or moreadditional embodiments of the process 300 for generating arecommendation of at least another data sharing scheme to activate onone or more devices based upon one or more contexts associated with theone or more devices. In one embodiment, the context hub 111 performs theprocess 350 and is implemented in, for instance, a chip set including aprocessor and a memory as shown in FIG. 6. In step 351, the context hub111 causes a rendering of a user interface for selecting at least onedata sharing scheme on an initiation of, a change in, or combinationthereof at a UE 101. As discussed previously, the graphical display mayinclude both the data sharing schemes (e.g., “Keep It,” “ShareSelectively,” or “Open It”) and explanatory text regarding each datasharing scheme. In step 353, the context hub 111 processes the at leastone data sharing scheme based, at least in part, on one or more privacypolicies, one or more security policies, one or more cost policies, oneor more device capabilities, or a combination thereof contained withinthe data module 205. For example, in certain regions of the world thecost of data transmission is relatively expensive therefore the datasharing schemes may be primarily based on cost policies whereas inregions of the world where data transmission costs are relativelyinexpensive, the data sharing schemes may be primarily based on privacypolicies.

In step 355, the context hub 111 causes a limitation of the UEs 101 toexecuting applications or services that are at least substantiallycompliant with the data sharing scheme selected by the user based on thegeneral characteristics, rules, logic, algorithms, instructions, etc.associated with each data sharing scheme. For example, if a user selectsthe “Keep It” data sharing scheme, the user is unable to then selectapplications/services 117 that are associated with another (e.g., moreopen) data sharing scheme (i.e., require data sharing to function). Instep 357, the context hub 111 cause a presentation to a user of one ormore notifications associated with (a) one or more violations of the atleast data sharing scheme (e.g., when a user attempts to activate a busstop timetable application while in the “Keep It” data sharing scheme isactivated); (b) one or more requests to alter the data sharing scheme(e.g., a recommendation is generated to cause a user to select another(e.g., more open) data sharing scheme and/or applications/services 117associated with another (e.g., more open) data sharing scheme); (c) anavailability of additional applications/services 117 that are at leastsubstantially compliant with another data sharing scheme; or (d) acombination thereof. In one embodiment, the notifications associatedwith the above events could include text, light emitting diodes (LEDs),physical notifications (e.g., vibrations), auditory tones, etc., or acombination thereof. In step 359, the context hub 111 processes at leastone data sharing scheme, which relates, at least in part, to sharing ofcontextual data. For example, one data sharing scheme may cause the UEs101 to share accelerometer information (e.g., how fast or slow the UEs101 are moving) where another (e.g., more open) data sharing scheme maycause the UEs 101 to share location information (e.g., GPS coordinates)associated with the UEs 101.

FIGS. 4A-4C are diagrams of an embodiment implemented by a mobile deviceclient titled “Location Hub.” In one embodiment, the “Location Hub”client functions the same as the context hub 111. FIG. 4A depicts anexample of a mobile device 401 and a user interface 403, which isidentical to the user interfaces 115. When a user selects a feature ofthe menu 405 (e.g., data sharing scheme), an enablement window 407appears over the menu 405 to inform the user of the varioussubcategories of that particular feature. For example, when a userselects the feature of menu 405 “data sharing schemes,” thesubcategories “Keep It,” “Share Selectively,” and “Open It” appear inthe enablement window 407. In one embodiment, while a data sharingscheme is highlighted by a user in the enablement window 407, anadditional enablement window 409 appears to inform the user of thegeneral characteristics of the particular data sharing scheme as well asany relevant and/or compliant applications or services. In oneembodiment, the menu 405 is no longer visible while a user selects adata sharing scheme in enablement window 407 in order to minimize theamount of information presented to the user at any given time.

FIG. 4B is a diagram of an example main page of the “Location Hub”client. The “Location Hub” main page presents a user with thepossibility to obtain more information about the activated data sharingscheme, to access activated services, and to discover additionalapplications/services 117 associated with the activated data sharingscheme. In one example, when a user selects the “Share Selectively” datasharing scheme, the user is presented with the option to learn moreabout the scheme, choose another data sharing scheme, or temporarilydisable the particular feature. In one embodiment, if the usertemporarily disabled the activated data sharing scheme, the “LocationHub” would prevent the communication module 203 from sharing datacontained within the data module 205, but in another example, the“Location Hub” would cause the UEs 101 to revert to the previouslyselected data sharing scheme for that temporary period of time.

FIG. 4C is a diagram of the recommendation features of the “LocationHub” client wherein various recommendations, options, reminders,prompts, notifications, etc. associated with another (e.g., more open)data sharing scheme are presented to a user. For example, a user mayselect to activate a more open data sharing scheme (e.g., “ShareSelectively” or “Open It”) temporarily or permanently depending on theuser's preferences and the user may also select to access one or all ofthe applications, services, or a combination thereof compliant with aparticular data sharing scheme. As previously described, a user maychoose among the various selections based on personal preference, butother factors, such as data transmission costs and anticipated timespent in a particular location may also play a role in the user'sselections.

The processes described herein for providing data sharing schemes toprovision device services may be advantageously implemented viasoftware, hardware, firmware or a combination of software and/orfirmware and/or hardware. For example, the processes described herein,may be advantageously implemented via processor(s), Digital SignalProcessing (DSP) chip, an Application Specific Integrated Circuit(ASIC), Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), etc. Such exemplaryhardware for performing the described functions is detailed below.

FIG. 5 illustrates a computer system 500 upon which an embodiment of theinvention may be implemented. Although computer system 500 is depictedwith respect to a particular device or equipment, it is contemplatedthat other devices or equipment (e.g., network elements, servers, etc.)within FIG. 5 can deploy the illustrated hardware and components ofsystem 500. Computer system 500 is programmed (e.g., via computerprogram code or instructions) to provide data sharing schemes toprovision device services as described herein and includes acommunication mechanism such as a bus 510 for passing informationbetween other internal and external components of the computer system500. Information (also called data) is represented as a physicalexpression of a measurable phenomenon, typically electric voltages, butincluding, in other embodiments, such phenomena as magnetic,electromagnetic, pressure, chemical, biological, molecular, atomic,sub-atomic and quantum interactions. For example, north and southmagnetic fields, or a zero and non-zero electric voltage, represent twostates (0, 1) of a binary digit (bit). Other phenomena can representdigits of a higher base. A superposition of multiple simultaneousquantum states before measurement represents a quantum bit (qubit). Asequence of one or more digits constitutes digital data that is used torepresent a number or code for a character. In some embodiments,information called analog data is represented by a near continuum ofmeasurable values within a particular range. Computer system 500, or aportion thereof, constitutes a means for performing one or more steps ofproviding data sharing schemes to provision device services.

A bus 510 includes one or more parallel conductors of information sothat information is transferred quickly among devices coupled to the bus510. One or more processors 502 for processing information are coupledwith the bus 510.

A processor (or multiple processors) 502 performs a set of operations oninformation as specified by computer program code related to providingdata sharing schemes to provision device services. The computer programcode is a set of instructions or statements providing instructions forthe operation of the processor and/or the computer system to performspecified functions. The code, for example, may be written in a computerprogramming language that is compiled into a native instruction set ofthe processor. The code may also be written directly using the nativeinstruction set (e.g., machine language). The set of operations includebringing information in from the bus 510 and placing information on thebus 510. The set of operations also typically include comparing two ormore units of information, shifting positions of units of information,and combining two or more units of information, such as by addition ormultiplication or logical operations like OR, exclusive OR (XOR), andAND. Each operation of the set of operations that can be performed bythe processor is represented to the processor by information calledinstructions, such as an operation code of one or more digits. Asequence of operations to be executed by the processor 502, such as asequence of operation codes, constitute processor instructions, alsocalled computer system instructions or, simply, computer instructions.Processors may be implemented as mechanical, electrical, magnetic,optical, chemical or quantum components, among others, alone or incombination.

Computer system 500 also includes a memory 504 coupled to bus 510. Thememory 504, such as a random access memory (RAM) or any other dynamicstorage device, stores information including processor instructions forproviding data sharing schemes to provision device services. Dynamicmemory allows information stored therein to be changed by the computersystem 500. RAM allows a unit of information stored at a location calleda memory address to be stored and retrieved independently of informationat neighboring addresses. The memory 504 is also used by the processor502 to store temporary values during execution of processorinstructions. The computer system 500 also includes a read only memory(ROM) 506 or any other static storage device coupled to the bus 510 forstoring static information, including instructions, that is not changedby the computer system 500. Some memory is composed of volatile storagethat loses the information stored thereon when power is lost. Alsocoupled to bus 510 is a non-volatile (persistent) storage device 508,such as a magnetic disk, optical disk or flash card, for storinginformation, including instructions, that persists even when thecomputer system 500 is turned off or otherwise loses power.

Information, including instructions for providing data sharing schemesto provision device services, is provided to the bus 510 for use by theprocessor from an external input device 512, such as a keyboardcontaining alphanumeric keys operated by a human user, a microphone, anInfrared (IR) remote control, a joystick, a game pad, a stylus pen, atouch screen, or a sensor. A sensor detects conditions in its vicinityand transforms those detections into physical expression compatible withthe measurable phenomenon used to represent information in computersystem 500. Other external devices coupled to bus 510, used primarilyfor interacting with humans, include a display device 514, such as acathode ray tube (CRT), a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light emittingdiode (LED) display, an organic LED (OLED) display, a plasma screen, ora printer for presenting text or images, and a pointing device 516, suchas a mouse, a trackball, cursor direction keys, or a motion sensor, forcontrolling a position of a small cursor image presented on the display514 and issuing commands associated with graphical elements presented onthe display 514. In some embodiments, for example, in embodiments inwhich the computer system 500 performs all functions automaticallywithout human input, one or more of external input device 512, displaydevice 514 and pointing device 516 is omitted.

In the illustrated embodiment, special purpose hardware, such as anapplication specific integrated circuit (ASIC) 520, is coupled to bus510. The special purpose hardware is configured to perform operationsnot performed by processor 502 quickly enough for special purposes.Examples of ASICs include graphics accelerator cards for generatingimages for display 514, cryptographic boards for encrypting anddecrypting messages sent over a network, speech recognition, andinterfaces to special external devices, such as robotic arms and medicalscanning equipment that repeatedly perform some complex sequence ofoperations that are more efficiently implemented in hardware.

Computer system 500 also includes one or more instances of acommunications interface 570 coupled to bus 510. Communication interface570 provides a one-way or two-way communication coupling to a variety ofexternal devices that operate with their own processors, such asprinters, scanners and external disks. In general the coupling is with anetwork link 578 that is connected to a local network 580 to which avariety of external devices with their own processors are connected. Forexample, communication interface 570 may be a parallel port or a serialport or a universal serial bus (USB) port on a personal computer. Insome embodiments, communications interface 570 is an integrated servicesdigital network (ISDN) card or a digital subscriber line (DSL) card or atelephone modem that provides an information communication connection toa corresponding type of telephone line. In some embodiments, acommunication interface 570 is a cable modem that converts signals onbus 510 into signals for a communication connection over a coaxial cableor into optical signals for a communication connection over a fiberoptic cable. As another example, communications interface 570 may be alocal area network (LAN) card to provide a data communication connectionto a compatible LAN, such as Ethernet. Wireless links may also beimplemented. For wireless links, the communications interface 570 sendsor receives or both sends and receives electrical, acoustic orelectromagnetic signals, including infrared and optical signals thatcarry information streams, such as digital data. For example, inwireless handheld devices, such as mobile telephones like cell phones,the communications interface 570 includes a radio band electromagnetictransmitter and receiver called a radio transceiver. In certainembodiments, the communications interface 570 enables connection to thecommunication network 105 for providing data sharing schemes toprovision device services to the UEs 101.

The term “computer-readable medium” as used herein refers to any mediumthat participates in providing information to processor 502, includinginstructions for execution. Such a medium may take many forms,including, but not limited to computer-readable storage medium (e.g.,non-volatile media, volatile media), and transmission media.Non-transitory media, such as non-volatile media, include, for example,optical or magnetic disks, such as storage device 508. Volatile mediainclude, for example, dynamic memory 504. Transmission media include,for example, twisted pair cables, coaxial cables, copper wire, fiberoptic cables, and carrier waves that travel through space without wiresor cables, such as acoustic waves and electromagnetic waves, includingradio, optical and infrared waves. Signals include man-made transientvariations in amplitude, frequency, phase, polarization or otherphysical properties transmitted through the transmission media. Commonforms of computer-readable media include, for example, a floppy disk, aflexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, any other magnetic medium, aCD-ROM, CDRW, DVD, any other optical medium, punch cards, paper tape,optical mark sheets, any other physical medium with patterns of holes orother optically recognizable indicia, a RAM, a PROM, an EPROM, aFLASH-EPROM, an EEPROM, a flash memory, any other memory chip orcartridge, a carrier wave, or any other medium from which a computer canread. The term computer-readable storage medium is used herein to referto any computer-readable medium except transmission media.

Logic encoded in one or more tangible media includes one or both ofprocessor instructions on a computer-readable storage media and specialpurpose hardware, such as ASIC 520.

Network link 578 typically provides information communication usingtransmission media through one or more networks to other devices thatuse or process the information. For example, network link 578 mayprovide a connection through local network 580 to a host computer 582 orto equipment 584 operated by an Internet Service Provider (ISP). ISPequipment 584 in turn provides data communication services through thepublic, world-wide packet-switching communication network of networksnow commonly referred to as the Internet 590.

A computer called a server host 592 connected to the Internet hosts aprocess that provides a service in response to information received overthe Internet. For example, server host 592 hosts a process that providesinformation representing video data for presentation at display 514. Itis contemplated that the components of system 500 can be deployed invarious configurations within other computer systems, e.g., host 582 andserver 592.

At least some embodiments of the invention are related to the use ofcomputer system 500 for implementing some or all of the techniquesdescribed herein. According to one embodiment of the invention, thosetechniques are performed by computer system 500 in response to processor502 executing one or more sequences of one or more processorinstructions contained in memory 504. Such instructions, also calledcomputer instructions, software and program code, may be read intomemory 504 from another computer-readable medium such as storage device508 or network link 578. Execution of the sequences of instructionscontained in memory 504 causes processor 502 to perform one or more ofthe method steps described herein. In alternative embodiments, hardware,such as ASIC 520, may be used in place of or in combination withsoftware to implement the invention. Thus, embodiments of the inventionare not limited to any specific combination of hardware and software,unless otherwise explicitly stated herein.

The signals transmitted over network link 578 and other networks throughcommunications interface 570, carry information to and from computersystem 500. Computer system 500 can send and receive information,including program code, through the networks 580, 590 among others,through network link 578 and communications interface 570. In an exampleusing the Internet 590, a server host 592 transmits program code for aparticular application, requested by a message sent from computer 500,through Internet 590, ISP equipment 584, local network 580 andcommunications interface 570. The received code may be executed byprocessor 502 as it is received, or may be stored in memory 504 or instorage device 508 or any other non-volatile storage for laterexecution, or both. In this manner, computer system 500 may obtainapplication program code in the form of signals on a carrier wave.

Various forms of computer readable media may be involved in carrying oneor more sequence of instructions or data or both to processor 502 forexecution. For example, instructions and data may initially be carriedon a magnetic disk of a remote computer such as host 582. The remotecomputer loads the instructions and data into its dynamic memory andsends the instructions and data over a telephone line using a modem. Amodem local to the computer system 500 receives the instructions anddata on a telephone line and uses an infra-red transmitter to convertthe instructions and data to a signal on an infra-red carrier waveserving as the network link 578. An infrared detector serving ascommunications interface 570 receives the instructions and data carriedin the infrared signal and places information representing theinstructions and data onto bus 510. Bus 510 carries the information tomemory 504 from which processor 502 retrieves and executes theinstructions using some of the data sent with the instructions. Theinstructions and data received in memory 504 may optionally be stored onstorage device 508, either before or after execution by the processor502.

FIG. 6 illustrates a chip set or chip 600 upon which an embodiment ofthe invention may be implemented. Chip set 600 is programmed to providedata sharing schemes to provision device services as described hereinand includes, for instance, the processor and memory componentsdescribed with respect to FIG. 6 incorporated in one or more physicalpackages (e.g., chips). By way of example, a physical package includesan arrangement of one or more materials, components, and/or wires on astructural assembly (e.g., a baseboard) to provide one or morecharacteristics such as physical strength, conservation of size, and/orlimitation of electrical interaction. It is contemplated that in certainembodiments the chip set 600 can be implemented in a single chip. It isfurther contemplated that in certain embodiments the chip set or chip600 can be implemented as a single “system on a chip.” It is furthercontemplated that in certain embodiments a separate ASIC would not beused, for example, and that all relevant functions as disclosed hereinwould be performed by a processor or processors. Chip set or chip 600,or a portion thereof, constitutes a means for performing one or moresteps of providing user interface navigation information associated withthe availability of functions. Chip set or chip 600, or a portionthereof, constitutes a means for performing one or more steps ofproviding data sharing schemes to provision device services.

In one embodiment, the chip set or chip 600 includes a communicationmechanism such as a bus 601 for passing information among the componentsof the chip set 600. A processor 603 has connectivity to the bus 601 toexecute instructions and process information stored in, for example, amemory 605. The processor 603 may include one or more processing coreswith each core configured to perform independently. A multi-coreprocessor enables multiprocessing within a single physical package.Examples of a multi-core processor include two, four, eight, or greaternumbers of processing cores. Alternatively or in addition, the processor603 may include one or more microprocessors configured in tandem via thebus 601 to enable independent execution of instructions, pipelining, andmultithreading. The processor 603 may also be accompanied with one ormore specialized components to perform certain processing functions andtasks such as one or more digital signal processors (DSP) 607, or one ormore application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC) 609. A DSP 607typically is configured to process real-world signals (e.g., sound) inreal time independently of the processor 603. Similarly, an ASIC 609 canbe configured to performed specialized functions not easily performed bya more general purpose processor. Other specialized components to aid inperforming the inventive functions described herein may include one ormore field programmable gate arrays (FPGA), one or more controllers, orone or more other special-purpose computer chips.

In one embodiment, the chip set or chip 600 includes merely one or moreprocessors and some software and/or firmware supporting and/or relatingto and/or for the one or more processors.

The processor 603 and accompanying components have connectivity to thememory 605 via the bus 601. The memory 605 includes both dynamic memory(e.g., RAM, magnetic disk, writable optical disk, etc.) and staticmemory (e.g., ROM, CD-ROM, etc.) for storing executable instructionsthat when executed perform the inventive steps described herein toprovide data sharing schemes to provision device services. The memory605 also stores the data associated with or generated by the executionof the inventive steps.

FIG. 7 is a diagram of exemplary components of a mobile terminal (e.g.,handset) for communications, which is capable of operating in the systemof FIG. 1, according to one embodiment. In some embodiments, mobileterminal 701, or a portion thereof, constitutes a means for performingone or more steps of providing data sharing schemes to provision deviceservices. Generally, a radio receiver is often defined in terms offront-end and back-end characteristics. The front-end of the receiverencompasses all of the Radio Frequency (RF) circuitry whereas theback-end encompasses all of the base-band processing circuitry. As usedin this application, the term “circuitry” refers to both: (1)hardware-only implementations (such as implementations in only analogand/or digital circuitry), and (2) to combinations of circuitry andsoftware (and/or firmware) (such as, if applicable to the particularcontext, to a combination of processor(s), including digital signalprocessor(s), software, and memory(ies) that work together to cause anapparatus, such as a mobile phone or server, to perform variousfunctions). This definition of “circuitry” applies to all uses of thisterm in this application, including in any claims. As a further example,as used in this application and if applicable to the particular context,the term “circuitry” would also cover an implementation of merely aprocessor (or multiple processors) and its (or their) accompanyingsoftware/or firmware. The term “circuitry” would also cover ifapplicable to the particular context, for example, a baseband integratedcircuit or applications processor integrated circuit in a mobile phoneor a similar integrated circuit in a cellular network device or othernetwork devices.

Pertinent internal components of the telephone include a Main ControlUnit (MCU) 703, a Digital Signal Processor (DSP) 705, and areceiver/transmitter unit including a microphone gain control unit and aspeaker gain control unit. A main display unit 707 provides a display tothe user in support of various applications and mobile terminalfunctions that perform or support the steps of providing data sharingschemes to provision device services. The display 707 includes displaycircuitry configured to display at least a portion of a user interfaceof the mobile terminal (e.g., mobile telephone). Additionally, thedisplay 707 and display circuitry are configured to facilitate usercontrol of at least some functions of the mobile terminal. An audiofunction circuitry 709 includes a microphone 711 and microphoneamplifier that amplifies the speech signal output from the microphone711. The amplified speech signal output from the microphone 711 is fedto a coder/decoder (CODEC) 713.

A radio section 715 amplifies power and converts frequency in order tocommunicate with a base station, which is included in a mobilecommunication system, via antenna 717. The power amplifier (PA) 719 andthe transmitter/modulation circuitry are operationally responsive to theMCU 703, with an output from the PA 719 coupled to the duplexer 721 orcirculator or antenna switch, as known in the art. The PA 719 alsocouples to a battery interface and power control unit 720.

In use, a user of mobile terminal 701 speaks into the microphone 711 andhis or her voice along with any detected background noise is convertedinto an analog voltage. The analog voltage is then converted into adigital signal through the Analog to Digital Converter (ADC) 723. Thecontrol unit 703 routes the digital signal into the DSP 705 forprocessing therein, such as speech encoding, channel encoding,encrypting, and interleaving. In one embodiment, the processed voicesignals are encoded, by units not separately shown, using a cellulartransmission protocol such as enhanced data rates for global evolution(EDGE), general packet radio service (GPRS), global system for mobilecommunications (GSM), Internet protocol multimedia subsystem (IMS),universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS), etc., as well as anyother suitable wireless medium, e.g., microwave access (WiMAX), LongTerm Evolution (LTE) networks, code division multiple access (CDMA),wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA), wireless fidelity(WiFi), satellite, and the like, or any combination thereof.

The encoded signals are then routed to an equalizer 725 for compensationof any frequency-dependent impairments that occur during transmissionthough the air such as phase and amplitude distortion. After equalizingthe bit stream, the modulator 727 combines the signal with a RF signalgenerated in the RF interface 729. The modulator 727 generates a sinewave by way of frequency or phase modulation. In order to prepare thesignal for transmission, an up-converter 731 combines the sine waveoutput from the modulator 727 with another sine wave generated by asynthesizer 733 to achieve the desired frequency of transmission. Thesignal is then sent through a PA 719 to increase the signal to anappropriate power level. In practical systems, the PA 719 acts as avariable gain amplifier whose gain is controlled by the DSP 705 frominformation received from a network base station. The signal is thenfiltered within the duplexer 721 and optionally sent to an antennacoupler 735 to match impedances to provide maximum power transfer.Finally, the signal is transmitted via antenna 717 to a local basestation. An automatic gain control (AGC) can be supplied to control thegain of the final stages of the receiver. The signals may be forwardedfrom there to a remote telephone which may be another cellulartelephone, any other mobile phone or a land-line connected to a PublicSwitched Telephone Network (PSTN), or other telephony networks.

Voice signals transmitted to the mobile terminal 701 are received viaantenna 717 and immediately amplified by a low noise amplifier (LNA)737. A down-converter 739 lowers the carrier frequency while thedemodulator 741 strips away the RF leaving only a digital bit stream.The signal then goes through the equalizer 725 and is processed by theDSP 705. A Digital to Analog Converter (DAC) 743 converts the signal andthe resulting output is transmitted to the user through the speaker 745,all under control of a Main Control Unit (MCU) 703 which can beimplemented as a Central Processing Unit (CPU).

The MCU 703 receives various signals including input signals from thekeyboard 747. The keyboard 747 and/or the MCU 703 in combination withother user input components (e.g., the microphone 711) comprise a userinterface circuitry for managing user input. The MCU 703 runs a userinterface software to facilitate user control of at least some functionsof the mobile terminal 701 to providing data sharing schemes toprovision device services. The MCU 703 also delivers a display commandand a switch command to the display 707 and to the speech outputswitching controller, respectively. Further, the MCU 703 exchangesinformation with the DSP 705 and can access an optionally incorporatedSIM card 749 and a memory 751. In addition, the MCU 703 executes variouscontrol functions required of the terminal. The DSP 705 may, dependingupon the implementation, perform any of a variety of conventionaldigital processing functions on the voice signals. Additionally, DSP 705determines the background noise level of the local environment from thesignals detected by microphone 711 and sets the gain of microphone 711to a level selected to compensate for the natural tendency of the userof the mobile terminal 701.

The CODEC 713 includes the ADC 723 and DAC 743. The memory 751 storesvarious data including call incoming tone data and is capable of storingother data including music data received via, e.g., the global Internet.The software module could reside in RAM memory, flash memory, registers,or any other form of writable storage medium known in the art. Thememory device 751 may be, but not limited to, a single memory, CD, DVD,ROM, RAM, EEPROM, optical storage, magnetic disk storage, flash memorystorage, or any other non-volatile storage medium capable of storingdigital data.

An optionally incorporated SIM card 749 carries, for instance, importantinformation, such as the cellular phone number, the carrier supplyingservice, subscription details, and security information. The SIM card749 serves primarily to identify the mobile terminal 701 on a radionetwork. The card 749 also contains a memory for storing a personaltelephone number registry, text messages, and user specific mobileterminal settings.

While the invention has been described in connection with a number ofembodiments and implementations, the invention is not so limited butcovers various obvious modifications and equivalent arrangements, whichfall within the purview of the appended claims. Although features of theinvention are expressed in certain combinations among the claims, it iscontemplated that these features can be arranged in any combination andorder.

1. A method comprising facilitating a processing of and/or processing(1) data and/or (2) information and/or (3) at least one signal, the (1)data and/or (2) information and/or (3) at least one signal based, atleast in part, on the following: at least one determination of at leastone data sharing scheme for activation at one or more devices; aprocessing of the at least one data sharing scheme to determine one ormore applications, one or more services, or a combination that are atleast substantially compliant with the at least one data sharing scheme;and a presentation of the one or more applications, the one or moreservices, or a combination thereof.
 2. A method of claim 1, wherein the(1) data and/or (2) information and/or (3) at least one signal arefurther based, at least in part, on the following: at least onedetermination of one or more contexts associated with the one or moredevices; and a processing of the one or more contexts to cause, at leastin part, a recommendation of at least another data sharing scheme toactivate at the one or more devices.
 3. A method of claim 2, wherein the(1) data and/or (2) information and/or (3) at least one signal arefurther based, at least in part, on the following: a presentation of oneor more other applications, one or more other services, or a combinationthereof that are at least substantially compliant with the at leastanother data sharing scheme.
 4. A method of claim 3, wherein the (1)data and/or (2) information and/or (3) at least one signal are furtherbased, at least in part, on the following: a processing of the one ormore contexts to cause, at least in part, another recommendation of atleast one of the one or more other applications, the one or more otherservices, or a combination thereof.
 5. A method of claim 3, wherein the(1) data and/or (2) information and/or (3) at least one signal arefurther based, at least in part, on the following: an activation of theat least another data sharing scheme permanently, for a predeterminedperiod, for a duration of the one or more contexts, for at least one ofthe one or more other applications, for at least one of the one or moreother services, or a combination thereof.
 6. A method of claim 1,wherein the (1) data and/or (2) information and/or (3) at least onesignal are further based, at least in part, on the following: arendering of a user interface for selecting the at least one datasharing scheme on an initiation of, a change in, or a combinationthereof of the one or more devices.
 7. A method of claim 1, wherein theat least one data sharing scheme is based, at least in part, on one ormore privacy policies, one or more security policies, one or more costpolicies, one or more device capabilities, or a combination thereof. 8.A method of claim 1, wherein the (1) data and/or (2) information and/or(3) at least one signal are further based, at least in part, on thefollowing: a limitation of the one or more devices to executing of theone or more applications, the one or more services, or a combinationthereof that are at least substantially compliant with the at least onedata sharing scheme.
 9. A method of claim 1, wherein the (1) data and/or(2) information and/or (3) at least one signal are further based, atleast in part, on the following: a presentation of one or morenotifications associated with (a) one or more violations of the at leastone data sharing scheme; (b) one or more requests to alter the at leastone data sharing scheme; (c) an availability of one or more additionalapplications, one or more additional services, or a combination thereofthat are at least substantially compliant with the at least one datasharing scheme; or (d) a combination thereof.
 10. A method of claim 1,wherein the at least one data sharing scheme relates, at least in part,to sharing of contextual data associated with the one or more devices.11. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least onememory including computer program code for one or more programs, the atleast one memory and the computer program code configured to, with theat least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform at least thefollowing, determine at least one data sharing scheme for activation atone or more devices; process and/or facilitate a processing of the atleast one data sharing scheme to determine one or more applications, oneor more services, or a combination that are at least substantiallycompliant with the at least one data sharing scheme; and cause, at leastin part, a presentation of the one or more applications, the one or moreservices, or a combination thereof.
 12. An apparatus of claim 11,wherein the apparatus is further caused to: determine one or morecontexts associated with the one or more devices; and process and/orfacilitate a processing of the one or more contexts to cause, at leastin part, a recommendation of at least another data sharing scheme toactivate at the one or more devices.
 13. An apparatus of claim 12,wherein the apparatus is further caused to: cause, at least in part, apresentation of one or more other applications, one or more otherservices, or a combination thereof that are at least substantiallycompliant with the at least another data sharing scheme.
 14. Anapparatus of claim 13, wherein the apparatus is further caused to:process and/or facilitate a processing of the one or more contexts tocause, at least in part, another recommendation of at least one of theone or more other applications, the one or more other services, or acombination thereof.
 15. An apparatus of claim 13, wherein the apparatusis further caused to: cause, at least in part, an activation of the atleast another data sharing scheme permanently, for a predeterminedperiod, for a duration of the one or more contexts, for at least one ofthe one or more other applications, for at least one of the one or moreother services, or a combination thereof.
 16. An apparatus of claim 11,wherein the apparatus is further caused to: cause, at least in part, arendering of a user interface for selecting the at least one datasharing scheme on an initiation of, a change in, or a combinationthereof of the one or more devices.
 17. A apparatus of claim 11, whereinthe at least one data sharing scheme is based, at least in part, on oneor more privacy policies, one or more security policies, one or morecost policies, one or more device capabilities, or a combinationthereof.
 18. An apparatus of claim 11, wherein the apparatus is furthercaused to: cause, at least in part, a limitation of the one or moredevices to executing of the one or more applications, the one or moreservices, or a combination thereof that are at least substantiallycompliant with the at least one data sharing scheme.
 19. An apparatus ofclaim 11, wherein the apparatus is further caused to: cause, at least inpart, a presentation of one or more notifications associated with (a)one or more violations of the at least one data sharing scheme; (b) oneor more requests to alter the at least one data sharing scheme; (c) anavailability of one or more additional applications, one or moreadditional services, or a combination thereof that are at leastsubstantially compliant with the at least one data sharing scheme; or(d) a combination thereof.
 20. An apparatus of claim 11, wherein the atleast one data sharing scheme relates, at least in part, to sharing ofcontextual data associated with the one or more devices. 21-48.(canceled)